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Top tips from single parents
You're not alone! We've collected practical tips from parents who have been there to help you through. Filter by topic or find out more by following the links.
Go easy on yourself
The best advice I can give is to go easy on yourself. It’s just one day – try to forget what everyone else is doing. Focus on yourself and your children.
Dad
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Spending time together is what matters
Having my children’s laughter around me… well, that’s the gift that can never be bought!
Mum, 2 children
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Enjoy Christmas moments
The ‘Father Christmas Years’ don’t last long enough, so try to enjoy them while they do.
Dad
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Make homemade presents
We’re doing a lot of homemade pressies this year. For example, we’ve made chutney using discounted fruit and vegetables. We save empty jam and sauce jars, which my children decorate with stickers and ribbons. My eldest child is also having a go at making candles.
Mum, 2 children
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Show kids what toys are really like
When it comes to your child wanting an expensive toy that you know is rubbish but they see as great because the TV ad makes them look great, the simple answer is to take your child to the toy shop and let them see the reality.
Mum, 2 children
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Track Santa
On Christmas Eve we look at a tracking website www.noradsanta.org to see where Santa is. Of course, Santa won’t come if they are not asleep so if they are still up when he gets to France, they know they are risking it!
Dad
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Spend quality time together
Our favourite tradition is a homemade advent calendar. I make a new one each year and include activities we can do together such as crafts, ice skating, having a proper hot chocolate with all the trimmings, seeing the local Christmas lights or eating dessert before dinner!
Mum
Read Gingerbread's advice for Christmas